The UK Prime Minister wasn’t about to let Microsoft and Activision Blizzard call out the country’s Competitions and Markets Authority over its decision to block Xbox’s Activision Blizzard purchase.
As reported by Reuters, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Sunak denounced Microsoft’s claims that the block was the “darkest day” in the four decades that Microsoft has operated in the United Kingdom, while comparing it to the European Union as it effectively described the U.K. as the worse place for startups.
According to the spokesperson, the claims “are not borne out by the facts.” It adds that the UK will “continue to engage with Microsoft” before explaining that the CMA operates independently.
In spite of the recent developments, Microsoft isn’t about to give up. It hopes to appeal the UK CMA’s decision so it can complete its $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard without repercussions. However, experts aren’t quite sure that the appeal will succeed. Most are even under the impression that the deal is now as good as dead. But, what’s certain is that the appeal will make the already-lengthy acquisition even longer.
Keep in mind that the UK CMA’s decision could affect the rulings of both the European Commission and the Federal Trade Mission in the US.
The former isn’t expected to announce their findings until May 22 while the FTC will start its hearing on August 2.
As tensions run high, it’s business as usual for Microsoft. The tech giant recently moved forward with another cloud gaming deal while Nvidia and Boosteroid have come forward in defense of their newest partners.
